The European Union (EU) has released €800,000 (around ₱54 million) in humanitarian aid to support Filipinos heavily affected by recent typhoons and other natural disasters.
In a statement issued Friday, the EU said the assistance will cover emergency needs in the hardest-hit communities, particularly focusing on shelter, health, and access to safe water and sanitation.
This latest aid package is in addition to the €6.5 million the EU has already committed this year to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience in the Philippines.
The relief comes as the country reels from the impacts of several severe weather systems. In Masbate, the death toll from Severe Tropical Storm Opong has risen to 18, according to the provincial government. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) earlier reported that over two million people were affected or displaced by the successive onslaught of tropical cyclones Mirasol, Nando, and Opong, compounded by the southwest monsoon. This was followed by Severe Tropical Storm Paolo, which submerged parts of the country in floodwaters.
The EU also noted it is closely monitoring conditions in Cebu, where a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Bogo City on September 30, causing at least ₱3 billion in infrastructure damage.
“The EU expresses its condolences to the families of the victims and stand ready to provide additional support pending on-going needs assessment,” the EU said.